Open AccessSocioeconomic Benefits of Large Carnivore Recolonization Through Reduced Wildlife‐Vehicle Collisions
Author(s) -
Gilbert Sophie L.,
Sivy Kelly J.,
Pozzanghera Casey B.,
DuBour Adam,
Overduijn Kelly,
Smith Matthew M.,
Zhou Jiake,
Little Joseph M.,
Prugh Laura R.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12280
Subject(s) - carnivore , wildlife , geography , ecosystem services , socioeconomic status , herbivore , trophic cascade , population , ecosystem , ecology , biology , demography , predation , food web , sociology
The decline of top carnivores has released large herbivore populations around the world, incurring socioeconomic costs such as increased animal–vehicle collisions. Attempts to control overabundant deer in the Eastern United States have largely failed, and deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) continue to rise at alarming rates. We present the first valuation of an ecosystem service provided by large carnivore recolonization, using DVC reduction by cougars as a case study. Our coupled deer population models and socioeconomic valuations revealed that cougars could reduce deer densities and DVCs by 22% in the Eastern United States, preventing 21,400 human injuries, 155 fatalities, and $2.13 billion in avoided costs within 30 years of establishment. Recently established cougars in South Dakota prevent $1.1 million in collision costs annually. Large carnivore restoration could provide valuable ecosystem services through such socio‐ecological cascades, and these benefits could offset the societal costs of coexistence.